The Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Gabriel Dunia, has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to secure the release of two seminarians held captive for 35 days by armed kidnappers.
The plea follows a chilling viral video showing the young boys clutching what appeared to be a human skull, crying, and begging for their freedom while surrounded by gunmen.
In a statement signed by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Rev. Peter Egielewa, Bishop Dunia expressed profound distress over the ordeal. “As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now,” he said. “I find it difficult to sleep these days because of this. We have been praying since their kidnap, and again I call on people everywhere to please pray with us.”
The seminarians were among three abducted on July 10, 2025, during an attack on the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area.
One seminarian, injured during the ordeal, was released on July 18, leaving the remaining two in captivity. The Diocese has maintained contact with the kidnappers, attempting to negotiate their release, but the situation remains unresolved.
Bishop Dunia condemned the escalating insecurity in Edo North and the wider state, stating, “It appears kidnappers in Nigeria have suddenly found a convenient place of operation in Edo North and Edo State.
Our people feel frustrated and helpless.” He added, “We are deeply worried about how this abnormality has become normal, and it appears our people are just left on their own to continue living in an environment of perpetual fear and terror. It shouldn’t be.”
Urging decisive action, the bishop implored, “We beg that Edo North be secured so that our people can once again live in peace and safety.” He directly called on President Tinubu, Governor Okpebholo, and security agencies to “do the needful and help rescue our children from the hands of the kidnappers.”
The Diocese continues to rally nationwide prayers as the community awaits the safe return of the abducted seminarians.